Employers are in a fight for qualified talent. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of job openings rose to 7.5 million in March. The number of hires was 5.7 million. That leaves 1.8 million unfilled positions every month in the United States. Why?

Ben Schiesl, a summer intern for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, writes about the leadership skills he’s gained as a Division I diver and coach. He highlights three distinct qualities that are applicable in sports and any leadership position.

Three years ago, 15 military service members preparing to transition to civilian employment gathered at Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington, to participate in the pilot cohort of a new corporate fellowship program.